nomopbo
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2004
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I know vendors try to stay original, but what do you do when a design resembles someone elses design? (especially a 3FNC) Has anyone ever had fingers pointed at them? "Hey, you stole that!"
I know no one can say "hey Shrox, you can't make that Snarky 'cause Sunward makes airplane looking rockets."
"Hey Art, you can't sell saucers 'cause it looks like a Snitch."
"I don't know Jim... That FarScape reminds me an aweful lot of an Andromeda."
Do you flat out tell someone "hey doofus, did you build your Snitch?" "Hey Bud, where were you when I test flew the FarScape over and over until it flew straight?"
But where is the line? How fine is the line? If it isn't their kit, than it's your kit plain and simple. Making a design (inspired by another kit) and changing a shape or construction step is enough? (3FNC)
I only ask because I was considering doing a kit (small run) for fun, and I am asking these questions out of FEAR!
I know Shrox gave away the Stealthie plans because he felt it too closely resembled an Edmonds Deltie.
Let me give another example...
I made a two stage rocket. The sustainer was a Baby Bertha. The booster I made myself, but it was totally inspired by the Semroc Firefly.
Now I tweak a fin or change the nosecone so its a 4FNC (no longer a B.Bertha) The booster is already tweaked. Now it doesn't look like a Firefly or a Bertha, so now I can package it as a kit?
It doesn't feel right when you put it like that, but I know there are lots of kits out there that are inspired by others. I know there are tons of similar looking 3FNC rockets.
How do you guys handle it when a design may incorperate a feature or technique that has been done before?
I know no one can say "hey Shrox, you can't make that Snarky 'cause Sunward makes airplane looking rockets."
"Hey Art, you can't sell saucers 'cause it looks like a Snitch."
"I don't know Jim... That FarScape reminds me an aweful lot of an Andromeda."
Do you flat out tell someone "hey doofus, did you build your Snitch?" "Hey Bud, where were you when I test flew the FarScape over and over until it flew straight?"
But where is the line? How fine is the line? If it isn't their kit, than it's your kit plain and simple. Making a design (inspired by another kit) and changing a shape or construction step is enough? (3FNC)
I only ask because I was considering doing a kit (small run) for fun, and I am asking these questions out of FEAR!
I know Shrox gave away the Stealthie plans because he felt it too closely resembled an Edmonds Deltie.
Let me give another example...
I made a two stage rocket. The sustainer was a Baby Bertha. The booster I made myself, but it was totally inspired by the Semroc Firefly.
Now I tweak a fin or change the nosecone so its a 4FNC (no longer a B.Bertha) The booster is already tweaked. Now it doesn't look like a Firefly or a Bertha, so now I can package it as a kit?
It doesn't feel right when you put it like that, but I know there are lots of kits out there that are inspired by others. I know there are tons of similar looking 3FNC rockets.
How do you guys handle it when a design may incorperate a feature or technique that has been done before?